Good Practice
Guide
for Parent
and Toddler
Groups
Building Relationships - Strengthening Community

The Good Practice Guide for Parent and Toddler Groups:
Building Relationships - Strengthening Community
Care for the Family, The Mothers’ Union and The Salvation Army are all committed to
supporting families, and that is why they have worked collaboratively to produce this
resource. They want to support you in the valuable job you’re doing, to provide practical
guidelines about how to run a successful group and to promote the important
contribution that parent and toddler groups make to local communities.

Care for the Family aims to promote strong family life and to help those hurting because
of family breakdown.

The Mothers’ Union exists to share Christ’s love by encouraging, strengthening and
supporting marriage and family life.

The Salvation Army is an international Christian church working in 109 countries
worldwide. As a registered charity, The Salvation Army demonstrates its Christian
principles through social welfare provision and is one of the largest, most diverse
providers of social welfare in the world.

Contents
Parent and toddler groups making a difference
Making friends and finding support
eader and team the vital factor for a successful group
Creating a successful parent and toddler group
What happens at the group
Parent and toddler groups basic procedures
eeping children safe child protection issues
Health and safety issues
Communicating with your group and your community
Further support for families
Useful contacts and resources
The Parent and Toddler Group Charter
Sample welcome letter/parental agreement
Sample registration form
Sample weekly attendance record

3

Building relationships strengthening ommunity
Parent and toddler groups can be the only adult company that many
parents and carers have during the week. Because of this, the group has
a great impact on their lives probably more than most group leaders
can imagine
That’s why ’m so pleased that Care for the Family, The Mothers’ Union
and The Salvation Army have worked together to produce this resource
for parent and toddler groups. By doing so, they are affirming group
leaders and teams across the country.
These groups provide great places for parents and carers to meet and
make friends. They are places where children make friends, learn and
interact together too, which can’t be a bad thing And these friendships
often carry on outside the group, as families visit each other’s homes
so much better than mums sitting at home feeling isolated. Such
friendships can last a lifetime.
ot only do parent and toddler groups offer friendship, but they can be
life saving for families in crisis. The number of people who are helped
by parent and toddler groups is endless not only the children and
parents, but also their wider families and those they meet during their
day to day lives.
So as you carry out your valuable role, do take the support that these
three organisations are offering here. ’m thrilled to be asked to endorse
The Good Practice Guide for Parent and Toddler Groups, and do so with
the prayer that even more parents, carers and children will ultimately
benefit from its wisdom.

iane ouise ordan
T and adio presenter

arent and toddler groups
ma ing a di eren e
There you sit, quaking in your
shoes, waiting in the studio of
BBC2’s Newsnight programme.
ou’re going to be interviewed
by eremy Paxman or one of
those other interviewers they
grace with that terrifying
adjective incisive’.

They can offer a lifeline to families in
crisis, support for parents having a tough
time or just dealing with the
ongoing demands of children.

ou’re being interviewed because you are
going to start a parent and toddler group
or perhaps you’re already running one but
you want to make it even better. And this
incisive’ interviewer is going to fix you with
his penetrating stare and his raised
eyebrow and ask What’s so special about
parent and toddler groups

Ultimately, parent and toddler groups
make a great contribution to the life of
a community.

Here are some great responses
Parent and toddler groups provide a safe
and happy environment for children to
play, learn and interact.
They provide a welcoming place for all
parents and carers to make friends and
feel supported.
Groups can be the basis for developing
long-lasting relationships for young
families looking for friendship and support.

Groups can be a starting point to go
forward, maybe branching out into
parenting groups and other supportive
courses. They offer a surrogate, or
extended, family to the families that
attend.

Care for the Family, The Mothers’ Union
and The Salvation Army are all committed
to supporting families, and that is why they
have worked collaboratively to produce
this resource. They want to support you in
the valuable job you’re doing, to provide
practical guidelines about how to run a
successful group and to promote the
important contribution that parent and
toddler groups make to local communities.

Our parent and toddler
group isn’t just a morning
session to me, it’s a
lifestyle. The families
that come to my group
are important to me
because they are part of
the community in which I
live. We go out for
meals, watch videos; I
invite them to parenting
groups and church. I
really want to help build
my community, and
parent and toddler is a
natural way of meeting
families.
Cathy, group leader

a ing riends and
inding support
Some young mums live
miles away from their
own mothers. Sometimes
they just want to ask for
the tiniest piece of advice
in passing. At other
times, it’s a long heart
to heart.
argaret

t’s a typical morning at parent
and toddler group and the
happy chatter of busy children
can be heard around the craft
table, as they make friends with
each other and with the team.
The children are cutting and
colouring animals to fit into a
giant ark.

William loves the range of activities he can
do and all in 90 minutes. She smiles,
and adds For me, having a cup of tea
made for me and eating nice’ biscuits is
such a treat.
lsewhere in the room, while their
children play happily with the train set,
li abeth and Pauline swap notes about the
lifeline offered by the group.

osh is keen to pass on his news ’ve come
with Grandad today because Mummy has
gone to Tesco to get our new baby

like coming here as much as Thomas
it keeps him happy, so it keeps me happy
says li abeth. ’ve found the help and
support from this group has helped me
through some tough times.

The parents, carers and team members
around the table join with osh in his
excitement, and exchange a knowing smile
with his grandad. My daughter’s due to
have her third next month, says a
grandmother who has brought the other
two’ to the group. The two grandparents
start to discuss their role as part time
carers for their children’s children.

Parent and toddler has been a lifeline to
me, admits Pauline, encouraged to speak
up by hearing that someone else has been
through tough times too. suffered from
postnatal depression and it was actually
oanne, the group leader, who encouraged
me to seek help. Then she helped some
more, by babysitting and sometimes even
cooking us a meal.

As they help their children to cut out the
animals, ate and mma are making friends
with a new mother who has come to the
group for the first time.

oanne, passing behind the women as they
talk, smiles to hear Pauline opening up to
another mother. A sign of a good recovery,
she thinks, as she goes into the kitchen,
where another team member is pouring
the children’s drinks in preparation for story
time. oanne has heard so many painful
stories from parents and carers, and it
makes her happy every time she sees them
overcoming their difficulties.

first came here so Sarah could learn to
mix with other children, ate explains.
And it was a way for us to meet new
people when we moved to the area. Many
of my close friends now are the people ’ve
met through the group.
came here for my sake laughs mma.
wanted to get out of the house and see
other adults life with a three and one
year old can sometimes be tedious. ow,

Take adia, for example such a bright
and intelligent woman, yet obviously
weighed down by some hidden problem.
She didn’t want to join in much she even
refused to join the rota of parents who
helped clear away the toys.

t was only after a year, when she said she
wouldn’t be coming any more, that oanne
found out a little of her story. She had been
going through a crisis in her marriage and
felt she just wanted to attend, but not take
on any responsibility. But ’m so grateful
for the support, she said, and now ’m
happier and feel able to give something
back. want to share something of what
’ve received from you. She intended to
get involved in a group closer to her home
and offer to help there, even when her son
no longer attended.

The refreshments are ready, so oanne
gathers children, parents and carers
together. uice and biscuits are handed out
to the seated children, and oanne opens
the book.
Our story today, she begins, is all about
a man called oah ..

I went along to my
parent and toddler group
looking for a place to find
companionship and for
my children to meet
other children. I ended
up joining a parenting
group and going along to
the church with the
people who went to my
group. I really got more
than I bargained for. It
was great my life is
completely different now.
Claire

eader and team the ital
a tor or a su ess ul group
I do feel the weight of
responsibility sometimes.
But I’m so delighted by
the people I meet, and
by the impact we have
on people. I really think
it’s worth it. My team
means so much to me.
ac ie, group leader

As leader, you will probably be
the one who carries the vision
for the group and makes
decisions about the day to day
running. our role is to
maintain standards and to
oversee the team, the session
and the future of the group.
ou will be keen to make your
group an excellent one with a
good reputation.

Invest in your team
Meet socially outside the group setting
have at least an annual social outing. Talk
together as you work, and build up their
confidence with heaps of praise. Support
them and allow them to support you, too.

deally, a regular, reliable team is an
important part of a parent and toddler
group. Therefore, try to find people from
all age groups and walks of life, who share
your vision. Allow them to use their gifts
for the benefit of the group, whether
through craft activities or excellent listening
skills. Some will have faced difficulties in life
that will enable them to empathise with a
group member, such as bereavement,
infertility or postnatal depression.

f you have few team members and feel
slightly overwhelmed, a rota of parents and
carers might be a good way of ensuring
everyone takes a turn in doing a particular
job. Asking them to participate in this way
makes parents and carers feel they are
essential parts of the group. And who
knows, one of them may become a valued
member of your team in the future.

Welcome feedback from your team
encourage them to pass on their ideas and
concerns, and take seriously what they say.
Be aware that they may be having difficult
issues to deal with in their own lives, so
listen sympathetically if they want to talk,
and remember to keep asking how things
are progressing.

Support for you
ou should also try to find someone outside
the group to support you so that you don’t
become overwhelmed with the
responsibility of group leader. This might
be a family member, close friend or, if
your group is affiliated to a church,
the minister or leader.
Some parent and toddler
groups have a management
group which shares the
decision making and care
for the team. The
management group should
give clear guidelines and
information to the team,
supporting them at all times.

now your boundaries
on’t take on burdens that are not yours.
f a member of your group needs further
support, you are not responsible for
providing it. But you can point them in the
right direction. f your group is part of a
church, you will probably have links locally
to a vast array of skills, life experiences and
projects that you can draw on. Further
help is available from the organisations
listed on pages 2 2 .
Parents and carers are responsible for
their children at all times. ou are,
however, responsible for anything that is
in the best interest of the whole group.
So, for example, if you have an ongoing
problem of one parent telling off other
people’s children, take the parent aside
and explain that everyone is responsible
for their own, not other people’s children.
f one child is hurting another and their

parent does nothing about it, it is
legitimate for you to step in and talk with
the passive parent. xplain that it is in the
best interest of the group for them to
intervene in their child’s behaviour.
o your best
There are a huge variety of parent and
toddler groups across the country, but
your group is unique. Whatever its si e
and however long it has been running,
you are aiming to do the best you can.
Always be on the lookout for new ways
forward, but don’t be put off if you can’t
achieve everything that is recommended
in this resource for example, if you don’t
have the money to buy so much
equipment. ou will be valued for who
you are by the people who come to your
group. And you are providing a valuable
service to the community.

We have great fun
together. We often
combine cleaning toys
and then going out
together; we have a
great time. It’d be even
better if we didn’t have
to clean the toys!
Chris, team member

Remem er
Gather together a good team with a
variety of skills
nvest in your team
Find someone to support you
now your boundaries
Be on the lookout for new ways forward
Make use of resources

9

Creating a su ess ul
parent and toddler group
One mother came who
was married to an
overseas student. She
barely spoke our
language and we didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t
speak hers, but we got
along very well. She was
tearful when the family
returned home. She said
she would really miss us.
The group had meant so
much to her when she
was in a strange country
with only her children for
company.
ynn

Give a genuine welcome
At the heart of a good group are people
who draw others back time and time again.
Always make sure everyone is given a
genuine welcome, so that they will feel
secure and more likely to return for a
second visit.

Some will come purely so that their child
can play with other children, but others are
hoping for much more than that. They may
be looking for friendship, advice, or time
with other adults. our group can be a
place where they find sincere people who
have a true concern for them.

Make your point of registration friendly
and informal. Give out an introductory
leaflet or letter see page 31 for details .
f you have several members on your
team, one member should welcome and
another should take each new person
through to show them the fire exits, toilets
and changing facilities, and introduce them
to others.

urture all who come to your group
Cherish the parents, carers and children in
your group by letting them know they are
special. ou are providing security and love
for the children, as well as the opportunity
to play and develop social skills.

Aim to introduce them to one or two of
your most friendly group members who
will include them in conversations and
activities. t can be difficult for newcomers
to remember more than a couple of
names on their first visit.
f possible, have a comfortable chair for
pregnant mums so they do not have to
sit on a tiny childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chair for the
whole session.
tend your warmth
beyond the first session
However friendly you are
on that first meeting, you
will need to keep it up
t will take a few
sessions for a
newcomer to feel at
home. Aim to
remember the childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s
name and something
about the parent/carer.

10

ou can provide encouragement for
parents who may be experiencing a time of
low self esteem. Parents and carers will feel
that they are an essential part of the group
if they are encouraged to help in its
smooth running. ncourage them to
befriend newcomers ask them to assist
with craft activities or to help in tidying
away equipment. Always remember to

thank them for any contribution they have
made and involve them by means of
consultation. isten to their suggestions
regarding the running of the group.
ffer a listening ear
f a parent or carer is experiencing difficult
circumstances, you or someone in your
team may be the person they need to talk
to. onâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t undervalue the impact of
listening, and remember that listening is not
giving advice or making judgements. By
stepping in too quickly with advice you can
stop people opening up any further.
istening attentively and giving people your
time can, in many cases, be as much as
people need.

for them. onâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t try to do it yourself f your
group is affiliated to a church, the church
may be able to offer resources for
counselling, help and care. etails of other
organisations which provide further help
can be found on pages 2 2 .
Be the place where real friendships
are made
Ultimately, the parent and toddler group is
a place where real friendships can begin
some just for the short term and others
more lasting. tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a two way thing ot only
will parents and carers find friendship, but
the team will discover new friends too
Consider it a privilege to serve those who
come through your doors.

I come to parent and
toddler because the
people that run it are
fun. They seem
interested in me.
ic

Some people may require more than a
listening ear, so attempt to find more help

Remem er
Give a genuine welcome
xtend your warmth beyond the
first session
urture all who come to your group
Offer a listening ear
Be the place where real friendships
are made

11

hat happens at the group
All parent and toddler groups
are unique and you will find
the right structure to suit
yours. The following
programme is a sample of a
typical session which, if you
wish, can be adapted to
meet the needs of the
parents/carers in your group.
The average time a group runs is two
hours, but the time limit is up to you as
team leader.
elcome and registration
An important occasion see page 10
Creating a successful parent and toddler
group’.
nstructured beginning
Have available toys such as the train set, cars
and story area so children can play freely
while their parents/carers chat with each
other and with team members. o not
have sit and ride toys available at this stage.
Craft table
A craft table can operate throughout the
morning, allowing the parents/carers and
children to come and go. t provides a
good place for parents/carers to chat to a
team member while helping their child
with the activity.
our activity could tie in with the story you
tell or mark significant dates in the calendar.
For example
Make decorations which you can use
on the Christmas tree at the parent and
toddler Christmas party tell the story of
the nativity at story time.

12

Make cards for Mothering Sunday and
Fathers ay but be sensitive as not all
children live with both parents.
Make animal faces out of paper plates
and tell the story of oah’s Ark at
story time.
ecorate biscuits to eat on children’s
birthdays.
Story time
ncourage parents to listen to the story
along with the children this will help the
children to understand that story time is
not a time to talk. Serve drinks and biscuits
to the children while they are sitting down.
appy birthday
f a child in your group is celebrating his/her
birthday, sing Happy Birthday at the end of
the story. ou could have special biscuits,
an artificial cake with candles, or a birthday
board a notice board with a list of the
children’s birthdays for that week, with
birthday cards on and a happy birthday’
banner across the top .
ree play for the children tea coffee
for parents carers
While the children play freely, serve hot
drinks with biscuits to parents/carers. nsure
the children are safe from the hot drinks.
Sit and ride toys
As it nears the end of the session, it is a
good time for children to play on the sit and
ride toys, thus enabling them to let off
steam before they go home. A safe area for
the babies, which must always be available,
is particularly important at this time.

Song time and notices
Ask parents/carers to join in with their
children, and sit everyone in a circle. Ask
different children for their favourite song,
and sing three or four of these before
finishing with one song many groups finish
with the same song each week to mark the
end of the session.
f you are a Christian group, include a faith
based song or prayer during the song time.

ink the song and the craft activity, where
possible. For example, if your activity was
making animal faces, you could sing Who
built the ark
oah, oah’. For details of
further resources, see page 2 or contact
your own organisation.
The end of song time is a good opportunity
to hand out notices for the following week
or future events.

During story time I was
reading The Three ittle
Pigs: ‘… and so the pig
went up to the man with
the wheelbarrow full of
straw and asked if he
could have some straw
to build his house..’.
‘Don’t be silly!’ shouted
Isaac. ‘Pigs can’t talk!’
ynn

Remem er
Welcome and registration for all visitors
Unstructured beginning to the session
Have an ongoing craft table with a
structured activity
Tell a story and give the children
a drink
Sing Happy Birthday when appropriate
More play time and drinks for the adults
Time to sit and ride
Song time and give out notices

13

arent and toddler groups
asi pro edures
Be ore the meeting
I really love it when
people say we are the
best group in the town.
Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got a waiting list
to prove itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s true!
ennie

Registration form
ew parents/carers joining your group
should fill in a registration form. ou will
find a sample form on page 32. ou may
wish to use the contact details supplied to
produce an address list for the
parents/carers involved in the group.
ata protection declaration A statement
should be made on the form about how
the information supplied on it will be
stored and used and who will have access
to it. The person completing the form
must be asked to give their written consent
for the information to be used in the ways
indicated. The information supplied must
not be used for any purpose other than
those stipulated. For further advice, contact
your organisation.
Please note Salvation Army groups are
required to use the official Salvation Army
ata Protection otice on all registration
forms.
ee ly attendance record
n addition to the registration form you
need to keep a weekly attendance record.
This allows you to keep track of every team
member, visitor, parent/carer and child that
is on the premises during each session. This
is necessary if you have to evacuate the
premises in the event of a fire.
edical conditions allergy record
t is essential and can be life saving to
maintain a record of childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s medical
conditions eg asthma, epilepsy , and
allergies. t is also important to record
special dietary requirements. For example,
some children may have a milk or nut
allergy others may be vegetarians and

1

therefore unable to eat certain biscuits.
These details should be given on the
registration form, and a further note made
in the daily register when the children
arrive. Of course, parents/carers are
responsible for what their children eat and
drink, but it is helpful for the whole team to
be aware of the needs.
ccident boo
f a child or parent has an accident while at
the group, it must be recorded in an
accident book. The details needed are the
time, the type of injury, the first aid
administered and whether or not a visit to
the doctor or hospital was necessary. The
parent/carer should sign to show that what
you have recorded is acceptable to them.
eep the accident book in a place where
any member of your team can find it easily.
our organisation may have its own official
accident book if not, you can order one
from your local branch of WHSmith see
page 2 .

Incident boo
eeping a record of other incidents, such
as two children persistently fighting, or a
child damaging property, is also advisable.
oney matters
f you are running a Salvation Army or
Mothers’ Union group, seek advice from
your organisation about how to deal with
financial matters, and their approach to
charging parents. f your group is an
independent one, work out the costs
involved and decide how you are going to
meet them. For example, you may decide
to apply for local grants. ecide what your
charging policy will be some groups leave
a bowl out for donations, others have a
fixed charge.
f you open a bank account and keep
records of the money coming in and out,
you should have two signatories. f you
have a Management Committee, keep
them informed as to how the money
is used.
f a parent or carer genuinely can’t pay,
don’t penalise them. What you do if
someone won’t pay is at your
discretion. ou could explain to
them what the fee covers
such as room hire,
refreshments, insurance,
purchase of good quality
toys . xplain that the
fee is not for profit
any money left over
will be ploughed
back into making the
group even better.
f someone still
refuses to pay, it is
legitimate to consider
refusing them a place
in the group.

Insurance
our group must have insurance cover in
case an adult or child is hurt. Check with
your own organisation about the nature of
the cover automatically provided for
groups running under their auspices, and
assess whether this cover is appropriate.
f you are running an independent group,
check whether the building in which you
meet has its own insurance it is likely that
you will be covered if you meet in church
premises, for example. f not, there are
insurance policies available for parent and
toddler groups which can also cover theft.
eep an inventory of what you have and
what it costs to replace the items listed.
f you are planning trips away from the
premises, the leader should take positive
steps to promote safety and ensure
proper precautions are taken to prevent
accidents. Particular thought should be
given to additional insurance and child
protection procedures.
Child protection health and safety
These vital subjects have been given their
own sections on pages 1 21.

n the day
pen up and prepare
eys may need to be collected from and
returned to the owner or caretaker of your
premises ensure you know whose
responsibility this is each week. Arrive in
good time to set out the toys and check
room safety.
Team numbers
Make sure there are enough team
members to cover all necessary jobs
including making the refreshments.

1

Register
t is essential to keep track of all
parents/carers and children who are on the
premises at any group meeting. A
nominated team member should be
available to take the register, and if anyone
leaves during the session, this also should
be noted in the register. n the event of a
fire, the nominated person can then
reliably inform the fire service of any
people left in the building.
umber limit
There are no fixed rules about how many
adults or children can attend. The number
will be determined by the number of

volunteers available to assist, the si e of the
space available, and how many children
you judge can play safely with the toys that
you provide. Take advice from your local
Fire Officer if you are in doubt.
n areas of high demand, group leaders
sometimes enrol parents/carers in advance,
and start a waiting list. xperience has
shown that usual attendance is around
0 of those that enrol.
The group leader is responsible for
deciding the maximum number that can be
safely accommodated, and for tactfully
turning away anyone who arrives after that
maximum number has been reached.

Remem er
Prepare a registration form
eep a record of medical conditions,
allergies etc
Use an accident book and incident book
Manage your money
Put in place relevant insurance
Open up and prepare the room
Have enough people on the team
eep a register
ecide and implement number limit

1

eeping hildren sa e
hild prote tion issues
- -

veryone concerned in any activity that
involves children irrespective of whether
their parents or carers are present must
adhere to an up to date child protection
policy. All team members need to receive
training in child protection issues, have a
copy of the policy, and agree to implement
it. Child protection policies should be
reviewed annually.
This is for the safety and protection of the
children and for your own protection
as a team.
Written information should be given to
parents and carers, telling them about the
policy and the specific measures taken to
ensure the safety of the children. A copy of
the child protection policy should be
displayed clearly while your group is in
session.
For details of Mothersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Union diocesan
child protection policies and
procedures, contact your diocesan
trustee group or MU staff at Mary
Sumner House. See page 2 for
contact details.
Salvation Army groups should adhere to
the Safe and Sound policy. See page 2
for contact details.

f you are running an independent
group and have no child protection
policy, several agencies offer free
advice. The Churches Child Protection
Advisory Service offers outline policies
which can be adapted to meet the
needs of specific activities. See page 2
for contact details.
All policies will include guidelines about the
selection process of volunteers who will
come into direct contact with children. An
important part of this process is to ensure
that they do not have a record of child
abuse, or other serious criminal offence,
which would make it inappropriate for
them to work in this environment.

Having a child protection
policy in operation will
help to safeguard the
most vulnerable in
society the under fives,
too small to protect
themselves.
avid Pearson,
ecutive irector,
The Churches Child
Protection dvisory
Service

Applications for these checks have to be
submitted to the Criminal ecords Bureau
C B , the government agency set up to
administer the scheme, through a
registered body. The result of each check
is called a disclosureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. our child
protection policy will include details of
how to assess each voluntary role in order
to determine which should be subject to
these checks.
Other important issues which child
protection policies should cover include
Arrangements for ongoing support
structures for volunteers.
Practical procedures for keeping
children safe.
efinitions of the different types of
abuse.
nformation about signs and symptoms
of abuse.

1

nstructions about what to do if abuse
is suspected or reported, including the
name of the person to contact if
specialist advice is needed.
Children with special needs.
Sometimes urgent and immediate action is
required. n that case, those present should
do what they can to protect the child, and
should themselves contact the area Social
Services Child Protection Team or the
Police Child Protection Team. As soon as
possible afterwards they should inform the
person named in their policy as their
contact in regard to concerns relating to
child protection issues.
At parent and toddler groups,
parents/carers are the primary care givers
for their children while at the group. t is
important that they understand this. appy
changes and supervising children’s visits to

the toilet should be undertaken by the
child’s own parent or carer.
The taking and use of photographs in your
group needs to comply with the ata
Protection Act. Parent and toddler groups
must have written permission from the
parents/carers of the children even if there
are 3 children in one photograph to say
that they are happy with the photographs
being used. n the agreement letter you
should set out where and when the
photographs will be used for example in
a newsletter, on a website, on a flyer
advertising your group.
Because parents/carers are the primary
carers, parent and toddler groups are
not required by law to have any
involvement with Social Services, but it is
helpful to maintain a good relationship with
them and keep them informed of your
group’s activities.

Remem er
Adhere to an up to date child protection policy
Protect the children in your care
as well as yourself and your team
Team members should be trained in
child protection issues
eview your policy annually
Provide parents/carers with written
information about your policy
isplay the policy while the group is in session
Obtain permission before taking or using
photographs
t is SS T A that these safeguards are put in place

1

ealth and sa ety issues
ire safety
nvite your local Fire Officer to visit the
place where your group meets. This might
be the manager of the building you use for
your group. S/he will be up to date with
fire safety regulations, and will be able to
give instruction about fire exits and how to
practice a fire drill. The Fire Officer will also
check the fire extinguishers in the building
are of the correct type and in good
working order. All fire extinguishers must
be regularly maintained.
Make sure parents know who on your team
is responsible in the event of an emergency.
This would usually be the group leader and
in their absence, their deputy.
On page 2 you will find spaces to write
details of your local emergency telephone
numbers. Make it a priority to fill them in.
irst aid
A well stocked first aid box is essential and
should be accessible but out of the reach of
children. As a guide, a basic box should
include the following items, and should be
restocked regularly
A leaflet giving general guidance on first
aid eg Health Service xecutive leaflet
Basic Advice on First Aid at Work .
20 individually wrapped sterile adhesive
dressings assorted si es .
2 sterile eye pads.
individually wrapped sterile triangular
bandages.
safety pins.
12cm x 12cm individually wrapped
sterile unmedicated wound dressings.

2 1 cm x 1 cm individually wrapped
sterile unmedicated wound dressings.
1 pair disposable gloves.
ou should not keep tablets or medicines
in the first aid box.
At least one qualified first aider must be
available at each session. Contact St ohn
Ambulance for details of first aid courses in
your area see page 2 for details .

The parent and toddler
group was a life-saver. It
was the only real outlet I
had to meet with other
people in the same
position as me. I made
some good friends there.
nne

eep at hand a list of telephone numbers
of local doctors and hospitals. ou should
be within reach of a telephone in case of
emergency. f you are in a building that has
a phone system you may have to dial 9 for
an outside line 9 999 in emergency . f a
telephone is not available, make sure
someone has a mobile phone, or knows
where to find the nearest public phone.
enue safety and security
Check the room you use before each
session, making sure previous users have
left nothing unsafe behind.
Find a secure place for buggies and prams.
eaving them in the entrance halls
compromises security and blocks the exit in
the event of emergency. ou may need to
invest in some bicycle locks if you are
unable to shut them away.
oors should never be dead locked in
case of an emergency.
Safety covers should be plugged into all
sockets. f you have heaters, use fire
guards if you have stairs, use stair gates. f
there is no door between the kitchen and
meeting room, use a stair gate to prevent
children gaining access.

19

We had a great time
when a fire-fighter
came to do a fire safety
talk. He came in his
uniform the children
loved it. It was great for
the carers too!
inda, team member

ygiene
All toilets and nappy changing areas need
to be checked for cleanliness. All cleaning
products must be kept in a locked
cupboard.
f there is not a facility to dispose of
nappies safely, ask parents and carers to
take them home for disposal. deally,
disposable nappies should be burned, or
put into two bags and tied securely,
before disposing of them.
uipment and toys
When buying toys, ensure they all carry the
relevant symbols of safety and quality. ook
for one or more of the following symbols

C mark
ion Mark
BAT mark

Consider how the equipment you buy will
fit into the space available. The layout of
the equipment is important and careful
consideration should be given to
Having a safe area for babies.
Adequate storage.
The importance of children being visible
at all times such as the use of
transparent playhouses .
Care should be taken that fingers are not
trapped when children are using sit and
ride toys.
Toys should be regularly checked,
maintained and cleaned. Broken toys
should be disposed of immediately.

20

iscourage gifts of second hand toys and
check the safety of toys children bring in
from home.
Toys provided should be appropriate to the
different age groups and varying stages of
child development. our local arly
earning Centre should give 10 per cent
discount to parent and toddler group
leaders proof of charitable status is
required. See page 2 for details.
The following list of suggested toys and
equipment will encourage physical,
intellectual, emotional and social
development. onâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be discouraged by the
length of the list start with a small number
of good quality items.
or babies under
months:
Baby chairs
attles
Soft toys
Mobiles
Musical instruments eg bells, shakers,
tambourines
or toddlers aged
months:
Books
Paper and colouring pencils
Building blocks
Toy buggies
Wheelie toys
Sit and ride toys
Protective sheets for painting and
play dough area
Painting overalls
Finger paints non toxic
Climbing frame with safety mat
Cushions/beanbags for reading
corner/pu le area
Wooden jigsaw pu les

Remem er
Put fire safety precautions in place
Fill in local emergency numbers
eep an up to date first aid box
Have a qualified first aider at all sessions
Be near a telephone
Check safety of the room before all sessions
eep buggies secure and away from entrance
Maintain cleanliness and lock up cleaning
equipment
Use stairgates and fireguards
ispose of nappies with care
Buy toys with safety symbols
Clean and check toys regularly
Provide a safe area for babies
eep children in sight at all times

21

Communi ating ith your
group and your ommunity
One of the health
visitors in the town
recommends our group
to new mums, especially
those who are a bit low.
People come here
because it makes such a
difference to their lives.
Sharon

Be inclusive
Many groups have now moved away from
the name Mothers and Toddlers’, but the
name Parent and Toddler’ is still not a
totally inclusive title. State clearly in all your
literature that everyone is welcome
mums, dads, grandparents and carers. All
adult carers are in a parental role when
they are at the group. However, if you are
running an exclusive’ group a group for
single mums under eighteen, for example
clearly state this.
Mention in your literature that the group is
also for babies, and is appropriate for
children up to school age although usually
children leave at three years to go to
playgroup or nursery school .
f you are a faith based group you should
make that clear, but explain that you
extend a welcome to people from different
religious backgrounds and ethnic groups.
nsure people with disabilities know they
are welcome. But do make it clear if
wheelchair access is not available in the
building you use. Any concerns you have
about accessibility should be referred to
the owner of the premises you use.
Some groups choose to call themselves by
a different name such as Stepping Stones,
Sparklers, Busy Bees, Tiddlers . These
names are chosen in an attempt to
emphasise that the group is not exclusively
for parents and toddlers, and also to
engage children and build in an identity to
the group.
Group charter
On page 30 you will find a photocopiable
sheet entitled The Parent and Toddler Group
Charter. This sets out the aims of a group,
and shows that you endeavour for
excellence in all that you do. isplay a

22

copy on the wall of your venue this
declared intention will motivate you and
your team to offer the best service you can
at all times.
elcome letter
Prepare a welcome letter or introductory
leaflet. Make it friendly and informative,
keeping in mind that it is for new members
on their first visit, so it should cover all the
basic information they need to know.
nclude, for example
The days and times of opening.
Any changes in meeting times during
school holidays.
Contact name and telephone number
of group leader.
Health and safety issues such as areas
allocated for pushchairs.
An explanation of how parents/carers can
pass on comments or complaints to you
and the team. et them know this is your
group and we welcome your input .
Parental agreement
As part of your welcome letter, or as a
separate leaflet, set out parents’/carers’
responsibilities. our letter could read,
for example
t is important that every member of the
group feels relaxed, supported, safe and
secure and has fun while they are here.
May we remind you that when you
register each week you are agreeing to
follow a few simple ground rules that will
help us enjoy our time together
our child’s safety, the way s/he relates
to and plays with other children, are

your responsibility. So if s/he’s about to
throw a brick intervene
f another parent expresses concern
about an action of yours or your child’s,
listen graciously. xplore each other’s
point of view, even if you don’t agree,
or feel you have been misunderstood.
Stay friends
Appreciate the team members who are
here to organise and facilitate the
group, but who are also part of our
group family.
ook after, and encourage your children
to look after, the room, the equipment
and each other, and take care with
drinks, buggies and belongings.
Above all
together

have fun and enjoy being

See page 31 for a sample combined
welcome letter and agreement you could
adapt this to suit your group.

ongoing’ information and which could be
distributed via doctors’ surgeries, playgroups
and libraries. n addition to the essential
standard information included in the
welcome letter, it could include details of
Parenting courses or other activities that
you run or can recommend.
Fund raising events, summer outings
and Christmas parties.

Not surprisingly, I was in
a minority as the only
dad. I actually felt very
special. The children
loved having a man
around.
ave

Where and when the group meets,
what it costs and who can come, written
in the languages spoken in the area.
Get recommendations
ou could arrange to meet with local
Health isitors or the ational Childbirth
Trust CT in order to get
recommendations. People more readily
choose services when they are
recommended by people they respect. This
could be a more effective way to advertise
your group than handing out leaflets.

ewsletter
ou might like to produce an occasional
newsletter which could provide more

Remem er
Make sure
O
knows they are
welcome
State clearly if you run an exclusive’ group
isplay the Parent and Toddler Group
Charter
Write a welcome letter
Prepare a parental agreement
Produce a newsletter
Get recommendations

23

urther support or amilies
Through your parent and toddler
group, you are already helping
many of your group members
more than you will know. ou
may be inspired to take your
support one step further such
as offering parenting groups or
other activities, or locating
sources of help for families with
particular needs.
All three organisations that have produced
The Good Practice Guide for Parent and
Toddler Groups have resources and support
networks offering further help.
Care for the amily
Garth House, eon Avenue,
Taffs Well, Cardiff
CF1
Tel 029 20 1 0 00
Fax 029 20 1 0 9
mail Playtime cff.org.uk
Web www.careforthefamily.org.uk
egistered charity no 10 90
Care for the Family produces a free email
newsletter for leaders of parent and
toddler groups, providing encouragement
and an opportunity to share ideas and
inspiration. Other activities include family
building breaks for helping parents and their
children to grow closer, special networks
for single parent families and those who
have suffered the loss of a child.

2

The others nion
2 Tufton Street
ondon
SW1P 3 B
Tel 020 222 33
Fax 020 222 1 91
mail mu themothersunion.org
Web www.themothersunion.org
egistered charity no 2 0 31
The Mothersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Union promotes the well
being of families worldwide through the
provision of practical projects established
by volunteers within local communities. n
the U and reland, the MU facilitates a
national network of parenting groups,
provides a range of support for families and
produces resources on issues important to
parents. To register for a free copy of the
MUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s email newsletter, visit our website.
The Salvation rmy
Adult and Family Ministries Unit
101 ewington Causeway
ondon
S 1 B
Tel 020 3
9
Fax 020 3
11
mail afm salvationarmy.org.uk
Web www.salvationarmy.org.uk
egistered charity no 21
9
The Salvation Army provides a number of
specialised services including Family
Tracing, Marriage Guidance, esidential
Family Centres for families at risk and
Community Homes offering professional
child care. Many Salvation Army Corps
Churches have a community outreach
programme giving practical support and
assistance to families, plus a wide range of
activities across the age spectrum.
Arrangements can be made for infants to
be dedicated christened .

Sample handouts
and orms
These can be photocopied/adapted for your own use

he arent and oddler roup Charter
We aim to
elcome veryone
Give a warm welcome to everyone, whatever their age,
relationship to the child, culture, religious background,
colour, gender or disability.

Be

cellent

Show excellence in all that is done in our group, from
making the coffee to comforting a person in distress. At all
times we try to maintain our high standards.

Provide a Safe and appy nvironment
Offer a safe and happy environment for the team to work
with parents, carers and children.

Care for our Team
alue, encourage and care for every member of the team.

ffer riendship
Offer true friendship to everyone who comes to our group
and to create an environment where friendships can be
made among our group members.

Involve Parents and Carers
ncourage parents and carers to assist and participate so that
they will feel they are an essential part of the group.

30

Sample el ome letter parental agreement
ear Fiona
r group
St ohn’s parent and toddle
d
ne
joi
e
u’v
yo
d
ase
ple
We’re really
would like to
with the rest of the team
er
eth
tog
d
an
r,
de
lea
up
happy group.
’m enny Smith, your gro
help you feel part of our
to
can
we
all
do
e’ll
W
welcome you.
0am and 11.30am.
d Thursdays between 9.3
an
ays
esd
Tu
on
en
op
are
For your information, we
m time only.
r group during school ter
ou
run
we
t
Please note tha
ms, buggies or
safety. Please leave your pra
e’s
on
ery
ev
for
e
fre
ll
ha
is an
nce
We like to keep the entra
hall when you arrive. There
the
of
e
sid
nd
ha
ht
rig
t leave
m on the
ergency, so please do no
em
other large items in the roo
in
use
for
ly
on
is
s
thi
d of the hall
additional fire exit at the en
by that exit.
and has
ported, safe and secure
sup
d,
axe
rel
ls
fee
up
gro
mber of the
of 0 adults and
t is important that every me
a maximum number limit
ve
ha
we
n
so
rea
t
tha
r
Fo
maximum. For
fun while they are here.
t we do not go over the
tha
ing
sur
en
for
ble
nsi
po
am res
ek you are agreeing to
children as group leader
when you register each we
t
tha
u
yo
ind
rem
we
y
the same reason, ma
r time together
that will help us enjoy ou
es
rul
d
un
gro
ple
sim
few
follow a
ty. So if
ldren, are your responsibili
chi
er
oth
h
wit
ys
pla
d
an
to
way s/he relates
• Your child’s safety, the
ck intervene!
s/he’s about to throw a bri
, listen graciously.
tion of yours or your child’s
ac
an
t
ou
ab
n
cer
con
ses
sunderstood.
• If another parent expres
ee, or feel you have been mi
agr
n’t
do
you
if
n
eve
w,
vie
of
Explore each other’s point
Stay friends!
t who are also
and facilitate the group, bu
ise
an
org
to
re
he
are
o
wh
mbers
• Appreciate the team me
ily.
fam
part of our group
each other, and
room, the equipment and
the
er,
aft
k
loo
to
en
ldr
chi
e your
• Look after, and encourag
ggies and belongings.
bu
,
nks
take care with dri
any concerns
o like to know if you have
als
uld
wo
d
an
,
up
gro
ents on the
any of the team
We do value your comm
ferently. Please let me or
dif
s
ng
thi
do
can
we
w
ho
your input.
or suggestions about
and we always welcome
up
gro
r
you
is
is
Th
.
ack
db
members have your fee
up
our parent and toddler gro
h
urc
Ch
n’s
oh
St
t
ou
ab
estions you have
es and discussion
We also welcome any qu
e we run parenting cours
tim
to
e
tim
m
Fro
h.
urc
ch
is run by members of the
lcome to join us.
we
ry
ve
evenings. ou are
Above all

Signature of parent/carer
ate
ata protection declaration A statement should be made on the form about how the information
supplied on it will be stored and used and who will have access to it. The person completing the form
must be asked to give their written consent for the information to be used in the ways indicated. The
information supplied must not be used for any purpose other than those stipulated. For further advice,
contact your organisation.
Please note Salvation Army groups are required to use the official Salvation Army
otice on all registration forms.

32

ata Protection

Sample ee ly attendan e re ord
Team member

isitor

Parent/carer

Child

ate

ate

ate

33

otes

Parent and toddler groups can be the only adult
company that many parents and carers have during
the week. Because of this, the group has a great
impact on their lives; probably more than most group
leaders can imagine!
e
e

The Good Practice Guide has been
produced for parent and toddler
group leaders and teams.
It includes information about setting up and running parenting
groups, covering issues such as:
Basic procedures for running a successful group
Putting into place a child protection policy
Finding new ways of communicating with the group
The range of equipment needed for children
Creating a safe and secure venue
How to plan a group session
Where to find further support for families

It will help parent and toddler group leaders
and team members to:
Support each other in their work
Affirm the members of their group
Create a welcoming environment
Provide the opportunity to make real friendships
Offer a happy learning place for children
Make a difference in their community
Be as excellent as they possibly can be